Ning Rongrong walked between Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing, still holding the box of exquisite pastries Xiong Shaoqing had packed for her. Her head was lowered, and no one knew what she was thinking. The blush at the tips of her ears had yet to fade completely.
"Rongrong, it's so late, and Shrek Academy is still a long way from here. The outskirts are pitch-black. It isn't safe for a girl on her own."
Xiong Shaoqing stopped and turned toward her, just the right amount of concern in his deep eyes. His voice was gentle but brooked no argument.
"Don't go back tonight. Stay at the Rain-Listening Waterside Pavilion. I'll have Zhu Zhuqing prepare a nice guest room for you."
"Huh? Stay... stay overnight at your place?" Ning Rongrong jerked her head up like a startled fawn and stammered, "Th-that won't do. I'm a girl. If word gets out..."
"What's there to fear? This isn't the Spider Cave. It's not as if I'll eat you." A wicked smile curled Xiong Shaoqing's lips as he deliberately stepped half a pace closer. "Besides, Zhu Zhuqing and Xiao Wu are both here. If you're scared, you can squeeze under the same quilt with them tonight."
He calculated silently. You can't eat hot tofu in a hurry.
The flirtatious back-and-forth over shelling crabs today had already maximized the emotional payoff. Giving her a lavish gift now would only seem contrived.
Boiling a frog in warm water, encroaching on her living space little by little, was the best strategy for winning over this proud little peacock.
"Who... who's scared?" Ning Rongrong haughtily lifted her snow-white chin, putting on a brave front. "Fine, I'll stay. I'm tired from all that walking tonight anyway."
"But let's be clear. I'm only sleeping with Xiao Wu and little sister